Perhaps they can seek consolation from digging out their video of the 2015 debate and indulge in the nostalgia of a happier evening.

The reality, a tough reality for those on the opposing side in the political trenches to take, is it’s United Conservative leader Kenney walking away from this war of words with a spring in his step.

Oh, Notley did kick off the proceedings asking the puzzler she loves to pitch. Who is fit to be premier?

She got in her talking point, her claim Kenney is beholden to extremists.

Kenney stuck to the meat and potatoes. Going through his playbook. This isn’t his first rodeo.

He talks about how to get Albertans back to work.

Asks the Ronald Reagan question. Are you better off than you were four years ago?

Most of us say No.

United Conservative Party leader Jason Kenney, left to right, Alberta Liberal Party leader David Khan, Alberta New Democrat Party leader and incumbent premier Rachel Notley and Alberta Party leader Stephen Mandel greet each before the start of the 2019 Alberta Leaders Debate in Edmonton, Alta., on Thursday, April 4, 2019.

He speaks of Alberta’s economic decline and stagnation. Vows to stand up to Trudeau and anti-oilsands special interests. Promises to scrap the carbon tax and fight to get a fair deal for Alberta.

Doesn’t take long for Kenney to let loose with one of his favourite tag lines. The Trudeau/Notley alliance.

Notley says Kenney is grandstanding, Kenney says Notley sold Alberta down the river to Trudeau.

It was that kind of night.

Kenney draws a lucky card. Early in Thursday’s tussle, the leaders get to debate the provincial economy, followed by pipelines.

This is where Kenney plays best. Talking about the big debt on the province’s books, recalling when Notley said Alberta is the embarrassing cousin no one wants to talk about. Pushing for a more aggressive stance to get those pipelines built.

By this time, your scribbler doesn’t get it. Notley is behind in the polls but some said she had momentum.

Was she tired? Was she not prepared? Where was 2015 Rachel?

Then we get to what could have been nasty territory for Kenney. Social issues. Gay-straight alliances. United Conservative candidates saying stupid and nasty things.

But Kenney survives.

United Conservative Party leader Jason Kenney during the 2019 Alberta Leaders Debate at the CTV Edmonton studio in Edmonton, Alta., on Thursday, April 4, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Codie McLachlan ORG XMIT: CKM104

Same with leadership and trust. Notley brought up how she believes Kenney cheated to win the United Conservative leadership.

Kenney accuses Notley of drive-by smears because she can’t defend her record.

Notley tries to convince you Kenney isn’t fit to be premier.

Kenney tries to convince you Notley is a big reason why Alberta is in the ditch.